Viva Questions and Answers: Determination of Resistance of a
Galvanometer by Half-Deflection Method
What is a galvanometer?
A galvanometer is a device used to detect small electric currents in a circuit.
What is the principle of a galvanometer?
A galvanometer works on the principle that a current-carrying coil placed in a magnetic
field experiences a torque.
What is the half-deflection method?
The half-deflection method is used to find the resistance of a galvanometer by connecting it
in a circuit with a known resistance and adjusting the resistance to get a deflection that is
half of the initial deflection.
What is the formula for calculating the resistance of a galvanometer?
The resistance of the galvanometer, Rg, is calculated using the formula:
Rg = R (θ / (θ' - 1)), where R is the known resistance, θ is the initial deflection, and θ' is the
deflection with the additional resistance.
What is the figure of merit of a galvanometer?
The figure of merit of a galvanometer is the current required to produce a unit deflection in
the galvanometer. It is given by:
K = I / θ, where I is the current and θ is the deflection.
How is the figure of merit of a galvanometer calculated?
The figure of merit is calculated using the formula:
K = V / (θ × (R + Rg)), where V is the voltage, R is the known resistance, and Rg is the
galvanometer resistance.
Why do we need to find the resistance of a galvanometer?
Knowing the resistance of a galvanometer is essential to use it effectively in circuits without
damaging it or the circuit.
What is the sensitivity of a galvanometer?
The sensitivity of a galvanometer is its ability to detect small currents, usually defined by
the deflection per unit current.
What type of galvanometer is used in the experiment?
A moving coil galvanometer is typically used, as it is highly sensitive and accurate.
What is the significance of the half-deflection method?
The half-deflection method ensures accurate measurement of the galvanometer's resistance
by balancing the circuit properly.
What precautions should be taken during the experiment?
Ensure the connections are tight and correct. Use a low current to avoid damaging the
galvanometer. Note deflections accurately without parallax errors.
What is a shunt resistor?
A shunt resistor is a low-resistance device connected in parallel to a galvanometer to allow
it to measure larger currents.
What is the role of a rheostat in the circuit?
A rheostat is used to vary the current flowing through the circuit for precise adjustments.
What is meant by the least count of a galvanometer?
The least count of a galvanometer is the smallest current that can be measured by it,
depending on its sensitivity.
What is the practical application of a galvanometer?
Galvanometers are used in electrical measurements, like detecting current in bridges and
potentiometer circuits.
What happens if the current through the galvanometer exceeds its limit?
The galvanometer coil can burn out or get permanently damaged.
How can we convert a galvanometer into an ammeter?
By connecting a low-resistance shunt in parallel with the galvanometer.
How can we convert a galvanometer into a voltmeter?
By connecting a high-resistance series resistor with the galvanometer.
What is the role of a jockey in the circuit?
A jockey is used to make contact with the wire in the circuit for measuring potential
differences.
What are the errors that might occur in this experiment?
Errors can occur due to loose connections, incorrect readings, parallax errors, or
fluctuations in current.
